Metal craft has also been an integral part of Indian culture. The ‘lotas’ or water pitchers are found in almost all parts of the country. The ‘urli’, bell-metal vessel in Kerala is a basic element of its culture. The metal based lamps in various shapes and designs are part of the Indian traditions and rituals. In Ladakh, decorative kitchen stoves are made purely by hand. In South India, metal icons, especially of bronze, are believed to absorb the charged energy of the Divine and are stored in the inner sanctum of a temple where the icon is installed. In India the main metals in 18th century that were used for decorative, domestic and military purposes were iron, brass, silver and gold . As time passed by, another pure metal became known to man, Aluminum, a pure metal that did not tarnish, was light weight and cost effective, it was not only Used in making utensils but also used to make decorative items all throughout the country. Where the raw material remained the same, the techniques of molding it differed from place to place. Here in Jodhpur, dry sand casting is the traditional technique of using aluminum to create figurines of deities or animals, create wall art and products for interior decoration.
Aluminum casting is a fairly new craft in comparison to the ancient crafts that have been going on for generations in Jodhpur. It still has potential to grow exponentially and make a name in the market because of the qualities it possesses along with the deep blend of culture influencing it. The research conducted by our team and solutions we will provide for design intervention and promotion will add a different dimension and depth to the upliftment of the craft.